Student Spotlight: BPHS basketball standout commits to WPI

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer • December 20, 2024

Sadie Orie drives to the basket in the girls basketball game vs. Uniontown on Senior Night, Dec. 19.

In the vibrant community of Bethel Park, one name has recently been making waves in both athletics and academics: Sadie Orie.

As a standout senior, Orie’s commitment to play basketball at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) not only showcases her remarkable talent on the court but also underscores her dedication to excellence in aspects of her life.

Sadie Orie has also made public that she will be majoring in Management Engineering with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering.

When asked about her excitement levels for WPI, Orie said, “I’m excited to start a new chapter of my life. I’m excited to play collegiate basketball and meet new friends.”

Her choice to pursue basketball at WPI speaks highly of her aspirations both as an athlete and as a scholar. WPI is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and significant emphasis on STEM education.

Orie reflected on her first interaction with WPI, saying, “So this is kind of complicated story. I first reached out to Bard, where the current assistant coach at WPI was, and I started to get to know Coach Dunn. We talked for a couple of months and he came and watched me play over AAU and was very interested in me. I then found out he took the job up at WPI and I reached out again to take a visit up there. I ended up falling in love with the school, team, and coaches and knew that was the place for me.”

While not interested in playing basketball beyond the collegiate level, that won’t stop Orie from dominating the court during her senior season.

Her tenacity and work ethic have made her a formidable player for the Bethel Park basketball team, where she has earned accolades and respect from teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

Saide Orie in her first five games this season alone has averaged 16.2 points per game, 2.4 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, 81.6% free throw percentage, and averages 33 minutes a game.

With these statistics alone, Orie is bound to make an impact when the lights shine bright on her at the Harrington Auditorium.

As Sadie prepares to take her talents to WPI, excitement fills the air for both her teammates and the coaches who recognize the exceptional impact she’s had during her years at Bethel Park.

The legacy she leaves behind is one of hard work, integrity, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and a wonderful friend for those who have had the pleasure of knowing her.

Sadie Orie is a true gem in Bethel Park’s athletic and academic landscape. Her commitment to Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a testament to the woman herself.

The community of Bethel Park is eager to cheer her on in her next chapter, knowing that she will continue to excel and inspire everyone she meets.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer